Redskins QB Kirk Cousins escapes serious injury

Aug. 20, 2013
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Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins grimaces in pain as he is tended to by the training staff after suffering an apparent foot injury during the first half against the Steelers in Landover, Md. The Redskins won 24-13. / Brad Mills, USA TODAY Sports

That person spoke on the condition of anonymity because the team had yet to release details. Cousins was injured during a tackle by Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Lawrence Timmons while scrambling for 7 yards in the second quarter of the Redskins' 24-13 preseason victory Monday.

The second-year backup from Michigan State has taken the bulk of first-team repetitions in training camp while Robert Griffin III recovers from reconstructive knee surgery. Cousins is expected back within the next two weeks, but he could miss the remaining two preseason games as a precautionary measure.

A healthy return within that two-week period would mean Cousins would be ready for the Sept. 9 opener against the Philadelphia Eagles. That would be especially important if Griffin is not cleared to start by then.

Team orthopedist James Andrews is expected to make a determination on the status of Griffin's knee next week. But all signs point to Griffin being ready.

Cousins led the Redskins to two wins last season when Griffin sprained his lateral collateral ligament Dec. 9 against the Baltimore Ravens.

The backup came off the bench to direct the Redskins to a 31-28 overtime win against the Ravens followed by a 38-21 win in a start against the Cleveland Browns.

Veteran Rex Grossman, the only healthy Redskins quarterback with starting experience, is expected to led the team in its third preseason game Saturday against the Buffalo Bills.